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Old photograph of the times when “white stone” was extracted by hand (Ouvrard Biarritz – Private collection).

“I have not committed any sin to leave my Land… Is it necessary for autumn to take me away from Luhuso?” wrote the singer Enaut Etxamendi in the autumn of 1971 (Canto de Luhuso). In the middle of summer it was decided to close the Luhuso kaolin (or “white stone”) mine exploitation plant, due to its low profitability. The company closed on July 31, 1971. Two days later, the workers carried out a protest under the motto of “Lan Euzkadin (Work in Euzkadi)”. They had the support of the creators of the Enbata movement, as well as some local elected officials. Despite the fact that the company got occupied and the road to Garazi was blocked, the company was relocated and, over the years, the boulders of the “white stone” mines slowly hid under the ground. Today, those who walk around Luhuso will not find any visible traces. However, by inspecting a little, you can find the holes of the old galleries and tunnels. (more…)